Sterling, CO- A Colorado girl, just 8 years old, is safe after bravely defending herself against an intruder in her bedroom, and authorities have charged a suspect in the case.
The Sterling Police Department announced that it is looking into an incident involving a “attempted child abduction,” where a “unknown male” entered the bedroom of an 8-year-old girl and “attacked” her. Authorities reached the location at approximately 2:30 a.m. on October 15, one hour following the incident.
In a recent update, authorities reported that the young girl “struggled with the attacker,” who ultimately “ran away” from the location “on foot,” after which she alerted her parents, leading them to call 911. Authorities observed that the individual was dressed in a dark hoodie and pants during the incident.
On Saturday, Oct. 19, police announced that they had identified and arrested 56-year-old Thomas Gallegos. He faces multiple charges, including
- First-Degree Burglary
- Second-Degree Assault
- Attempted Second-Degree Kidnapping
- Third-Degree Assault, and
- Child Abuse
A recent arrest affidavit reveals that the young girl informed police that a man entered her room, placed a blindfold over her eyes, and took her from her bed. She claimed she had resisted, but the assailant struck her on the head and rendered her unconscious. Upon regaining consciousness, she hurried to her mother’s room to share what had occurred.
The girl sustained some cuts and bruises from the incident, but thankfully, her injuries were not serious.
Authorities indicated that the attacker possibly accessed the residence through the back door, which could have been left unsecured during the hours of 1 a.m. to 2 a.m. local time.
The arrest affidavit revealed that the suspect was seen wearing a cloth clown mask during the incident, which was discovered in the child’s bedroom alongside gloves. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation is set to perform a DNA test on the discovered objects.
The attacker also seized the child’s phone, which authorities utilized to assist in identifying the suspect, according to KUSA. The phone was found abandoned close to Interstate 76, west of Sterling.
Gallegos lived in the same area and had, as stated in the affidavit, assisted in setting up a washer and dryer in the family’s house the weekend before.
Gallegos will appear in court again on November 4.